Field Guide to Plants Poisonous to Livestock - Western U.S.

by Shirley A. Weathers, Ph.d.

This field guide to poisonous plants in the western U.S. was designed by and for livestock owners to help protect against plant poisoning. Horses, cattle, sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats and swine are addressed.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 percent of cattle and over 3 percent of sheep in the western U.S. are killed each year by eating poisonous plants. But the problem is even more serious. In addition to deaths, plant poisonings also cause:

temporary and chronic pain and illness

abortions

decreased productivity

birth defects

And besides cattle and sheep, horses, llamas, goats, alpacas and swine are also affected. Economic losses each year amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts agree that many occasions of plant poisoning are avoidable. Plant poisoning can be prevented, and effective response when it occurs may reduce suffering and harm and prevent death.

Effective use of good information about toxic plants coupled with ensuring access to safe feed are the best insurance against plant poisoning. Field Guide to Plants Poisonous to Livestock - Western U.S. compiles in over 240 pages key information from various resources to help livestock owners . . .

identify over 100 western toxic plants

consider animal, pasture and range management strategies

spot symptoms of potential poisoning

respond effectively when poisoning occurs

Field Guide to Plants Poisonous to Livestock - Western U.S. includes over 100 plants, shrubs and trees, organized by leaf shape/arrangement to facilitate identification throughout the growing season. It can be tucked easily into pack or back pocket, carried in your truck or kept handy in the barn. The following are provided to the extent known for each plant:

A description (in lay language) of characteristics such as average plant size and leaf, flower, fruit, and seed appearance